Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Creating a new norm

Life as we know it is changing. Wages are stagnant, food and gas prices are up, global warming seems to be ever more present and things seem like they are not getting better anytime soon. Some people believe it is beyond their control and that the little things that an individual can do are not sufficient enough to make a major change in this world.
We Americans are the biggest energy consumers in the world and very wasteful. We drive too much, we spend too much and we eat too much junk. When you think about the world, are you part of the cure or the disease? Most of us, if we look long and hard enough, would realize that despite are high moral values, we are contributing to an unsustainable world. Blame is easy to lay on others, but the truth of the mater is that most of us are at fault, me included. It is easy to disagree with politicians, but do you vote? Do you write your representatives to let them know how you feel? Are you angry about gas prices going up? How often do you drive? Could you drive less or drive a more efficient vehicle?
Now is time to create a new norm for yourself. Be a part of the solution and make conscious decision about what you do. It is hard to stay focused in a society of mass media and instant gratification, but I guarantee that you will be a happier person is in the long run if you slow down and participate in the better good for humanity. Carpool with a coworker, invite friends over for dinner instead of going out to eat, write a letter and let your opinions be known.
Best of luck. Leif